Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Constant feeling of hunger on a low carb diet

November 1, 2019 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear Sir or Madam,
I have been following a Low Carb High Fat diet for about 2.5 weeks now in order to lose some weight and eat healthier. My daily caloric intake should be 1691 kcal, with 103g of protein and 109g of fat. Sometimes these values are a bit higher or lower. Usually, I end up with a caloric deficit at the end of the day. I consume everything I need, just with fewer carbohydrates (around 70g). However, for the past 1.5 weeks, I have been experiencing a constant empty feeling in my stomach. Even after meals (no matter how high in fat or protein), I feel this emptiness. I am satisfied in terms of cravings, but my stomach keeps giving me this empty feeling. I do not have cravings. Drinking regularly does not help either. I am desperate and do not know what else to do. Even protein shakes do not help. Is this normal for a Low Carb diet? Does the body need time to adjust? I have also heard that initially one loses a lot of water and a deficiency in potassium can also trigger hunger. I often have a low potassium level and take Spironolactone for it. Additionally, I have had liver cirrhosis for over 20 years (with very good blood values, good liver synthesis, stagnating) and ulcerative colitis (also in remission for 23 years without symptoms). Medications include Salofalk, Ursofalk, Metoprolol, Omeprazole, Venlafaxine 75mg, Trimipramine 25 Tr, Vitamin B Complex, Magnesium, Spironolactone, and Iron. Otherwise, I am in very good health and do not have any complaints. However, this constant feeling of hunger is wearing me down and is certainly not healthy.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

With your accompanying conditions, such a one-sided diet is not recommended at all! The liver does not like so much protein, and the stomach actually craves fillers that you are not giving it. Potassium deficiency does not cause hunger, but for example, inflammation of the duodenum causes pain and discomfort on an empty stomach. I don't necessarily believe in that, but you definitely have sugar withdrawal.

Whatever is behind your situation: I would do it differently! Avoid carbohydrates in the evening, but treat yourself to high-quality ones for breakfast and lunch. Instead, avoid refined sugars, white flours, processed foods, and alcohol (anyway, it's clear!).

Then you will lose weight gently, but you will probably feel significantly better! By the way, one-sided diets are usually not very successful because they lead to a yo-yo effect. The body eventually gets what it had to do without.

Warm regards, Dr. Gehring